Find out how to start running in barefoot shoes without injury. Learn the correct foot strike technique (midfoot), increase your cadence, and awaken the natural power of your feet. A guide to transitioning to barefoot shoes.
For years, sneaker manufacturers have promised us that the more cushioning and support, the better. They presented shoes as armor to protect our feet from the "dangers" of hard surfaces. But what if it's quite the opposite?
The human foot is a masterpiece designed for running. It has 26 bones and a hundred muscles designed to work as a perfect natural spring and shock absorber. Stiff, overly cushioned shoes numb this spring. We force our feet to land on our heels with our legs straight because the cushioning alleviates pain. But this sends a shock wave straight to our knees, hips, and spine.
Angles barefoot shoes change that. Our minimalist shoes are the gateway to natural, quiet, and powerful running. They don't give you support from the outside; they awaken the strength within.
The magic of barefoot shoes lies in the fact that they immediately teach you better technique. Switching to Angles' ultra-thin soles is like taking a course in proper running technique, led by your own body. If you run incorrectly, the shoe will immediately "tell" you.
In regular sneakers, most people land on their heels. In Angles barefoot shoes, your foot instinctively avoids doing this because it would be uncomfortable. You will start landing on the middle or front part of your foot.
Your new mantra is silence. Focus on making your footfall in Angles shoes as quiet as possible, as if you were running on leaves.
Focus on making your strides shorter and faster (ideally, your stride frequency should be higher than 170 per minute).
Did you know that 170 steps per minute is an average to slightly above-average cadence for recreational runners? For elite runners, this cadence is higher than 180 steps per minute.

Source: Own processing
The transition to minimalist running requires patience. The muscles of the feet and calves, which have been protected by thick foam for years, need to be rebuilt. If you rush, you risk overuse injuries, especially Achilles tendonitis.
During the transition, it is normal to experience muscle soreness in your feet and calves. This is a good thing – your muscles are building. However, sharp, stabbing pain (especially in the Achilles tendon, under the arch, or in the instep) means that you are going too fast. Take a break and return to barefoot running later, when your muscles have recovered and strengthened.
Angles give you the opportunity to get rid of pain and chronic injuries. They only require one thing: respect and patience. Unlock the power that has been in your feet for millions of years. Run with Angles barefoot shoes and feel free again. Choose from our range of high-quality barefoot shoes.